THE LEGACY OF #CEFDAY14

Cardiff City's home clash with Crystal Palace recently marked the first ever 'Foundation Day', raising funds for The Community and Education Foundation.

With your contributions on the day, added to a wage pledge from the first-team squad, a fantastic figure in excess of £150,000 was raised – all of which is being channeled straight back into community projects. We'd all like to say a very big 'thank you' to everyone who supported the day and continue to support the Community and Education Foundation.

The Foundation Day initiative began with a generous wages pledge from the senior squad, key football staff and all foundation staff. On the Friday before the game the momentum continued to build as the Board of Directors and stadium staff threw their support behind raising funds to back the excellent work carried out within the local community on a daily basis.

The Cardiff City Board of Directors, including the Chairman also made personal donations ahead of the match, with club employees also donating and setting up a #CEFDAY Grand National sweepstake, all with the aim of taking the total above £100,000 before the important match-day contribution of supporters. On Saturday both teams were led out by Cardiff City Community & Education Foundation escorts. Club technology partner Ricoh UK also pledged to match funds raised within the Ricoh Suite.

This money will now be channeled into the local community as it looks to increase it's reach in the area. The Foundation aims to raise an extra £480,000 per annum in order to increase its reach (currently at 75,000 people a year). The players’ wage pledge and all donations received on the day will go a significant way to reaching that target.

The Cardiff City Community & Education Foundation is the charitable arm of Cardiff City Football Club, which on an annual basis requires in excess of £1.4 million to operate. The Foundation plays a central role in improving the lives and opportunities of people in its local communities, providing for previously under-represented groups.

Once again, a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone who supported the day and for your continued support of the Community and Education Foundation.